Entering this weekend, the No. 8 Michigan men’s swimming and diving team hadn’t lost a Big Ten dual meet since Jan. 27, 2007, an unbelievable run of 20 consecutive victories.

That streak ended on Saturday.

The Wolverines (0-1 Big Ten, 2-2-1 overall) suffered a conference loss, falling to Indiana, 163-137, in Bloomington. The overall score remained very close until the final few events.

The loss came on the heels of a two-week training trip that left the team exhausted, according to Michigan coach Mike Bottom, who said that the trip may have contributed to the Wolverine's disappointing finish.

“I probably need to take the blame for this loss,” Bottom said. “I beat them up a bit on the training trip. I guess I trusted their talent to come through and we didn’t quite get to where we wanted to.”

The loss was Bottom’s first in the Big Ten in his three years in Ann Arbor.

Despite the defeat, there were some bright spots. Michigan managed to win five individual events overall, along with the 200-yard medley relay.

Senior captain Neal Kennedy led the Wolverines with wins in the 100-yard breaststroke and 200-yard individual medley and also swam the anchor leg of the winning relay. Senior Jared Miller and freshman Kyle Whitaker won the 200-yard breaststroke and 200-yard butterfly, respectively, and junior Dan Madwed and sophomore Sean Fletcher tied for first place in the 100-yard butterfly.

Sophomore Miguel Ortiz didn’t win an event, but finished second in the 50 freestyle and achieved a personal best, qualifying for consideration in the NCAA championships.

“Miguel impressed me as much as anyone else,” Bottom said.

Bottom said the loss was obviously disappointing for Michigan, but was quick to put things in perspective.

“This will be a stepping stone to greater things,” Bottom said. “Ultimately, (the loss) will probably help us. Any meet, regardless of whether we win or lose, is a learning experience.”